Raila Frustrated as South Sudan Blocks Meeting with Riek Machar
Raila Odinga, Kenya’s special envoy to South Sudan, has disclosed that he was unable to meet with the country’s First Vice President, Riek Machar, during his recent diplomatic mission to Juba. Raila was tasked with helping de-escalate hostilities between the government and rebel factions following Machar’s detention.
At the request of President William Ruto, Raila traveled to Juba on Friday in an effort to calm rising tensions in the world’s youngest nation. However, in a statement issued on Saturday evening, the ODM leader revealed that he was not granted access to Machar, who remains under house arrest.
“I requested permission to engage with Dr. Machar, but my request was denied. Instead, they advised me to meet with Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni and provide him with an update on the situation,” Raila stated.
South Sudan’s Justification for Machar’s Detention
During his discussions with South Sudanese President Salva Kiir, Raila learned that the recent unrest stemmed from the killing of a general and ten others in Nassir town. Kiir explained that the incident led to Machar’s confinement, although he did not explicitly link the vice president to the attack.
“They claim the violence involved a militia associated with Machar, but no direct evidence has been presented connecting him to the general’s death. We hope this matter will be resolved swiftly,” Raila explained.
Engaging Regional Leaders
Following his visit to Juba, Raila proceeded to Entebbe, Uganda, where he briefed President Museveni on the crisis. Museveni assured him that he would personally reach out to President Kiir regarding the issue.
Raila emphasized that the South Sudan situation remains fragile and requires urgent international attention.
“The United Nations is actively monitoring the developments, and I believe the crisis demands global security intervention,” he stated.
Hope for a Resolution
Despite being blocked from meeting Machar, Raila expressed optimism that the crisis could be resolved diplomatically. He intends to brief other regional leaders, including President Ruto, on his mission and the potential steps toward sustainable peace in South Sudan.
“I am encouraged by the discussions I had with President Kiir. I will provide a comprehensive report to President Ruto and other regional leaders to explore a roadmap for long-term stability,” he said.
On Thursday, President Ruto made a direct call to Kiir after reports emerged regarding Machar’s detention. Ruto later announced that he had consulted with President Museveni and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed before dispatching Raila to South Sudan.
“Following discussions with President Museveni and Prime Minister Abiy, I have sent a special envoy to engage South Sudanese authorities and report back on possible de-escalation strategies,” Ruto posted on X.
Raila’s diplomatic visit highlights the delicate and complex nature of South Sudan’s political landscape. While the outcome of these engagements remains uncertain, regional leaders continue working toward a peaceful resolution.
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Raila Frustrated as South Sudan Blocks Meeting with Riek Machar
